REGRET & FAITHFULNESS

Have you ever thought back on a certain situation, season of life, and had regret? I sure have. I think it is a normal part of life, but I have also started to discover that people with faith have a unique perspective when they reflect back on those moments of regret. That as their faith matures they begin to see past REGRETs as an opportunity to potentially see the Lord’s FAITHFULNESS. This is the heart behind a new sermon series that we will launch this Sunday at www.graceseaford.church: DEAR YOUNGER ME. Here is a video link where I share some thoughts on the upcoming series and topic: https://vimeo.com/321824401. 

WORD: One of the men in the Bible who I think struggled deeply with REGRET was Peter.  John 21:15–19 captures a moment of regret in Peter’s life after he had rejected even knowing Jesus 3 times! Jesus pursues him and in the passage you have this amazing, loving, and grace-filled exchange. Jesus never gives Peter an “I Told You So”, but instead uses words and language that will challenge Peter to reframe his entire experience.

WRESTLE: When I think about this passage it brings up some struggles in my life where I have wrestled with my own obedience to follow Jesus. This week, I plan to share how those struggles impacted my life by writing a letter or note to my younger self. We will also consider how Peter may have creatively written a letter back to his younger self (Simon) and how he would have wrestled through his betrayal of Jesus.

WIN: In the end we come to the realization that Christ can redeem every aspect of our life. Our regrets, mistakes, hang ups, finances, and dysfunction. For a picture into this WIN watch this song: https://vimeo.com/164349212. I have come to a place where I do not want to change my life as much as I submit more of it to Christ. He has taken the mess I gave him and given me back a new picture of how to understand my life and appreciate His FAITHFULNESS.

My prayer and hope for you this week is that you would experience God’s FAITHFULNESS over your REGRET. That you would experience the freedom that accompanies the victory that has been purchased for you and that you would consider sharing a letter to your younger self through this message series. The process may heal, restore, and redeem what the world has stolen.

Growing with you,

Pastor Larry

For greater info on what is coming visit:

https://graceseaford.ccbchurch.com/w_calendar.php

https://www.facebook.com/graceseaford.church/

Was Jesus a Republican, Democrat or Independent?

Sunday we learned how we can be a part of changing our community through prayer. If you missed the message you can get access to it through our website. We asked you to pray specifically for a LEADER, a SERVANT, a person in NEED, a person at WORK, and one GOD-ORDAINED random moment. Many times when we think about our role in the political process it can become confusing, especially in the current bipartisan environment we live in. In this week’s video (Click here for Video) I share some of my thoughts on the matter as a leader and how you can WRESTLE with what the WORD says about the issue and come out with a WIN. 

WORD: As I think about my role and the role of our church in our nation’s government my mind drifts to a few passages: 1 Timothy 2:1–4 NIV , Matthew 22:15-22 NIV, & Luke 3:12-14. In these passages we see Jesus, a political servant, and a leader of the church and their response to some different situations. These are not the only passages on this topic and you should do a more exhaustive search if this topic sparks your passion or interest.

WRESTLE: As I have wrestled with politics and faith, I have become aware of some principles that have served me well. Jesus refused to be involved in politics, but He did not shy away from issues that impact politics. The leaders of His church followed His example, but the leaders of the church were also grateful for those who served in politics with integrity based on their faith. I would go so far as to say that every Christian needs to check their party-loyalty as it compares with Scripture, for this was the outcome of all the encounters I have read in scripture. Scripture is to be the guiding focus of our morality, ethics, and behavior.

WIN: When we all understand our role, the Kingdom of God is best advanced. My role is to preach, teach, and lead the Church that Jesus started and is in charge of, but I also need to pray for my political leaders and encourage our church to be involved in changing their communities, states, and nation to reflect their Biblical values. By staying in my role and appreciating the role of our political leaders I am able to best present the Gospel that moves hearts toward Christ’s Kingdom and those Christ followers involved in our political and government roles are able to best bring ethical and moral change to the laws that impact the lives of our citizens. I am grateful for those who have found their calling is to be engaged in the political process and to bring change that protects and improves the lives of our citizens.

My prayer this week for you, as you pray for leaders and people in our community, is that you will best understand your role. Knowing our role and call is something that Jesus wants all of us to better understand so we can honor Him in a world that is desperate to know Him.

Growing with you,

Pastor Larry

For greater info on what is coming visit:

https://graceseaford.ccbchurch.com/w_calendar.php

https://www.facebook.com/graceseaford.church/